-MONTANA  ELK HUNTS-

BE PREPARED
Even though we like to use horses to access areas, and the elevation is lower than many other mountains states, hunters still need to be prepared for hiking.

Based on weather, location of game, etc. you may hike several days during your trip or mix riding with hiking.

We recommend that you start walking several months before your hunt; a minimum 6-7 miles, 10 is best), 2-3 times a week, further & more if possible. Make sure to wear your boots when walking, this will reduce the chance of blisters in the field. Wearing your pack will also help reduce sore backs and help you choose what you really want to carry all day.
In addition to walking  prior to your hunt try climbing up and down stairs or adding squats to your work out this will help lessen the chance of sore knees from riding horses, but is not a guarantee.

Hunts are normally conducted out of a lodge, all bedding, towels etc. are provided.

Please verify with us your arrival and departure dates - prior to making travel plans. 

Space is limited at the lodge during hunting season.

If you arrive early, you will need to book a motel room in Missoula, to be picked up  or finish driving in, the day before your scheduled hunt.

Early departure flights may also need to book a motel room for the night of your last hunt day.

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THE BASICS
Photo ID

Hunting License - Please see side note
Airline tickets (Confirm dates & times prior to booking with Josephine)
Rifle or Bow and carry case for shipping/flying as needed

Rifle &/or Bow Sling (Bow Slings Must be Separate from your pack!!!)
Rifle Scope Lens Covers
Shells or Arrows (at least 2 boxes of shells)

Toiletry Items: Toothbrush, Razor, Soap, Shampoo, etc.
Medications - make sure you have informed us of any medical needs before your hunt (Diabetes, heart conditions, food allergies, etc.)

 

CLOTHING (think in terms of light layers - mornings & evenings may be cold, but warm days)
Socks for each day - wool synthetic blend, moisture wicking
Underwear
Light weight polypropylene, silk or under armor bottoms (long john's)
Light weight polypropylene, silk or under armor long sleeves tops

T-shirts
Pants - wool recommended for late season winter hunts
Zip-up jacket, with zipper pockets for hat and gloves

Neck Gaiter

Fleece stocking cap

Camouflage baseball style cap
Fleece or wool gloves
Waterproof gloves 2 pair lightweight and insulated.
Rain gear (quiet cloth type)
Boots (Comfortable - already broken in)
House shoes (for the lodge)
Rifle Hunters : Orange vest or coat with at least 400 sq. inches, Orange Hats are optional in Montana.

 

*ALL HUNTING CLOTHES - should be made of material that is quiet when hiking in brushy areas*

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There is usually not a need for daily street clothes. Folks often pack with the thought of coming back to lodge and changing each day. However, remember these are long days, you usually get back eat, shower and go to bed, so one set of lounge wear is plenty in addition to your travel clothes.

 

 

BACKPACK & OTHER GEAR
Small Backpack or Fanny Pack (Fanny Pack: Look at Aplz-Big Bear for an idea—it opens into a pack)
Emergency fire starter kit in a zip-lock bag (Lighter & Matches)
2 flashlights  (small head lamp and small hand held with extra batteries)
Knife - sharp 3 in. to 5 in. blade
Small bundle 10 ft. or so nylon cord/rope
Toilet paper in a zip-lock bag

Binoculars

Small first-aid kit including mole skin or 2nd skin for blisters

Repair Kit for Gun/Scope or Bow

Multi-Tool

 

Optional:

Range Finder & GPS/Compass

Camera in a zip-lock bag (batteries, memory card etc.)

Large Cooler for shipping/carrying meat home

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